Inquiry Regarding Problems at Tallinn Defense Forces Cemetery (no. 752)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-06-09 23:11
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 13
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 13/13 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Under agenda item seven, the inquiry presented by Jaak Valge and Leo Kunnas regarding the issues at Tallinn Defence Forces Cemetery (no. 752) was discussed. The inquiry highlighted the complex nuances of historical memory and cemetery cultural policy: the role of the central cemetery, formed before 1940, as a bearer of the memory of the fallen and national identity, the totalitarian land expropriation during the Soviet occupation era, and the subsequent restoration and improvement work after Estonia regained its independence. The criticism raised states that the work done has been insufficient and slow, and that at the same time, actions have been undertaken initiated and funded by the Embassy of the Russian Federation, which may affect the cemetery's atmosphere and internal cooperation. In addition, the question of cenotaphs and other occupation symbols and their impact on the cemetery's aesthetics and historical content was raised, as well as the arrangements for commemorative gatherings and visits on May 9th, as they have ultimately evolved.
Decisions Made 1
Restoration of gravestones at the Defence Forces Cemetery and continuation of cemetery upkeep; restoration of memorials destroyed during the Soviet occupation; cooperation with the director of the War Museum, Hellar Lille, and with the heritage protection society; monitoring the activities of the Russian Embassy in accordance with the cemetery regulations and implementing special measures if necessary; moving forward with planned work for 2024–2025 (e.g., landscaping of the cemetery reserve land, planting, improvements to roads and access) and processing requests for increased funding.
Most Active Speaker
The most active performer was vl68NYOImIY; position: Minister of Defence (in another form, not as a member of parliament on the left/right).
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Under the seventh item on the agenda, we will discuss the interpellation (No. 752) submitted by Riigikogu members Jaak Valge and Leo Kunnas on April 16, 2025, regarding the issues concerning the Tallinn Defence Forces Cemetery. Jaak Valge will serve as the rapporteur.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge noted that the Tallinn Military Cemetery is being maintained insufficiently and slowly relative to the needs of Estonian national memory. He highlighted that the site still contains Soviet graves and cenotaphs, an excessive arrangement of large monuments, and funding from the Russian Embassy, all of which obstruct the historical narrative. Furthermore, those commemorated who died between 1945 and 1953 are, in all likelihood, individuals who fought against the Forest Brothers (metsavennad). Meanwhile, the Soviet soldier monument at the cemetery has become the main attraction, and in his view, there is no clear concept for future development, even though the spring maintenance was improved and the May 9th visit was organized more effectively.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Arvo Aller requests Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur to answer the interpellation.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur confirmed that the Defence Forces Cemetery will remain a dignified site, and the monuments and grave markers will continue to be restored. The next steps include the restoration of gravestones in sector B3, the tidying up of the cemetery's landscaping, and the preparation of reserve land, in cooperation with the War Museum, the heritage protection society, and Tallinn Co-educational Gymnasium, as well as monitoring the activities of the Russian Embassy in accordance with regulations.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman thanked [the previous speaker/group] and invited Jaak Valge to ask questions.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge expresses concern that in Sector B3, a Soviet serviceman’s grave marker or cenotaph has been placed on the grave of every Estonian soldier, and furthermore, grave markers belonging to Soviet servicemen who died after the war have recently appeared in the burial area of German soldiers killed in the First World War. He finds this illogical and indicative that something is wrong with the contracting partner.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
If something that doesn't belong there has recently been installed at the Defence Forces Cemetery, Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur promised to check the situation together with the War Museum, restore the previous state, and immediately discuss the entire matter if additional information becomes available.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invited Anti Poolamets to take the floor.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets called for a deeper look into the matter, stating that cenotaphs are memorials, not graves, and that they could all be removed peacefully. He also questioned how such a poor tradition—established during the time of Defense Minister Kalle Laanet, involving defense forces servicemen moving around the Filtri tee campus in Defense Forces uniform around May 9th—could be allowed to continue.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur confirmed that he has neither given nor intends to give such an order.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller expresses his thanks, announces that the questioning period has concluded, opens the debate, and invites Jaak Valge, the representative of the interpellators, to take the floor.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge emphasized that history must not be allowed to be used by the adversary on our territory, and that the chaotic situation at the Tallinn Defence Forces Cemetery must be resolved, and the War Museum needs greater funding to turn the cemetery into a dignified memorial site for Estonian heroes.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller concluded the proceedings, announcing that there were no requests to speak and that the Minister did not wish to take the floor. He then closed the debate. We have now completed the seventh item on today's agenda.